MINERS RELEASED FROM ARMY

Evening Star, Issue 24324, 13 October 1942, Page 6

MINERS RELEASED FROM ARMY

ANOTHER THREE HUNDRED THE HOUSING PROBLEM (L’.A.) AUCKLAND, October 12. A statement that the War Cabinet bad decided to release 300 miners from the armed forces to assist in raising the Dominion’s coal production was made by the Minister of Mines, Mr Webb, ■to-night. The great need for further accommodation for the minors was stressed by Mr Webb, who said it would not bo possible to release the miners from the forces until homes wore available for them.. “ The need for . additional miners’ homes in the Waikato is very urgent,” Mr Webb said. “ Arrangements have been made for the construction of 40 miners’ houses in the Hnntly district, 20 at Alangapelii, and 20 at Tatu, and a start with the "programme was made a few weeks ago. The housing activity at present being undertaken in Hnntly is only a start, and the programme will be continued. It is expected that when the present houses are completed another 40 will bo proceeded with to meet the immediate demands.” In the Hnntly district. Air Webb said, the minors’ homes under construction were being built by the companies under an arrangement with the State, which had given priority with men and materials. Labour was being made available from other works, and it was not expected that anv difficulty would be encountered in tills respect. The homes to bo provided would be similar to the usual typo of houses in the Dominion, and it would be optional for the miners to buy or rent them. This was different from the conditions prevailing in regard to the State houses at the Mangapehi and Tatu mines, which wore rented. The situation in regard to accommodation for miners would be reviewed periodically, and further houses would be constructed as the demand dictated, Air Webb added. In the Waikato district any future need for miners’ homes and amenities would ho considered by the Board of Control from time to time.